Humming By The Flowered Vine
by Laura Cantrell
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jun 21, 2005
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. AllMusic
    90
    Humming by the Flowered Vine is an album that's a joy to listen to without sounding simple or hollow, and resonates with an evocative beauty comprised of both compassion and intellect.
  2. Blender
    60
    It's not until the seventh song that voice and material converge satisfyingly. [Jul 2005, p.115]
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    100
    A work of formidable and pristine beauty.
  5. Dusted Magazine
    60
    In theory, there may be nothing wrong with a desire for mainstream acceptance, but Cantrell’s music suffers for it.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Cantrell, with a voice reminiscent of Alison Krauss and melodies much the same, was born for this stuff. [24 Jun 2005, p.162]
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  7. Junkmedia
    80
    Humming By The Flowered Vine takes the rootsy sounds of classic country music (incorporating Hank Williams, Lucinda Williams and everyone in between) and plops them smack dab in the middle of Manhattan.
  8. Lost At Sea
    85
    You’d be hard-pressed to find a music snob who can’t be won over by Cantrell’s lovely compositions.
  9. Pitchfork
    76
    Like its predecessors, it's full of sweetly sung melodies and deceptively simple arrangements of originals and lovingly chosen covers.
  10. PopMatters
    80
    With Humming by the Flowered Vine, Cantrell has proven she's the rightful heiress to Lucinda Williams.
  11. Q Magazine
    70
    [Her] voice [is] as clear as a Great Smoky Mountain stream. [Aug 2005, p.127]
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  12. Rolling Stone
    70
    Humming by the Flowered Vine works up a mix of matter-of-fact and earnest confessionals that's rarely precious, usually gorgeous and worth returning to.
  13. ShakingThrough.net
    80
    Obviously, the peerless craft and genuflecting reverence are beyond reproach; those desiring a more progressive form are out of luck.
  14. Splendid
    100
    This is a wonderful album, full of heart, skill and intelligence, and sure to be recognized as a classic.
  15. Stylus Magazine
    91
    Sometimes it does sound like The First Ever Country Record On Matador, too tied down to ideas of what country records are supposed to sound like.... And then Laura looks you in the eyes and you realise that really, you’re being a bit of a twit. She’s still there, the same as she ever was. Her surroundings have just got a bit grander.
  16. The Guardian
    40
    Overall the mixture never quite gels, and the rasping timbre of Cantrell's voice ain't the prettiest sound you ever heard.
  17. Uncut
    80
    The melodies and brittle guitars burrow into your cerebrum. [Jul 2005, p.106]
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  18. Under The Radar
    70
    Cantrell is (still) a breath of fresh air. [#10, p.115]
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Awards & Rankings

70
#70 Best Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. TraciP
    Feb 1, 2008
    9
    Laura Cantrell's crystal clear vocals are beautiful, reminiscent of Kitty Wells. This album's Big City meditations evoke Laura Cantrell's crystal clear vocals are beautiful, reminiscent of Kitty Wells. This album's Big City meditations evoke traditional country, bluegrass, honky talk, and the shimmery melodies of 60's California country acts.… Full Review »
  2. PaulA
    Jul 31, 2005
    6
    Too slick and AOR for my liking. Try The Tremblin' Kind for a more gritty down to earth country album.
  3. VasekR
    Jun 21, 2005
    9
    Simply beatiful and balanced album full of emotions.
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